Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has criticised his players despite kicking off the new LaLiga campaign with a 3-0 victory over nine-men Mallorca.
The defending champions began their title defence in comfortable fashion as goals from Raphinha and Ferran Torres put them firmly in control before half-time. Lamine Yamal then added a stoppage-time strike to wrap up the three points.
On paper, it looked the perfect start for Flick and Barca, but the German manager was left far from impressed by what he saw from the touchline.
Flick accused his players of easing off once they had established a two-goal advantage, insisting their performance dipped alarmingly against a side reduced to nine men.
He said: ‘I didn’t like the game. They’re three important points, but I didn’t like it. After a 2-0 deficit and two red cards,
‘I think the team played at 50 percent, and I didn’t like it. We can do better.’
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has criticised his players despite their opening day win
The defending champions began their title defence with a 3-0 win over nine-men Mallorca
Man United loanee Marcus Rashford came off the bench to make his debut in the 69th minute
‘I don’t like them to let their guard down. We had to control the ball and the game. We have to score.
‘Playing at 50 or 60 percent against nine men isn’t possible. We have to play faster. We have to improve some situations.’
Despite doubts over whether he would be registered in time for the match, Marcus Rashford was named on the bench.
He came on to make his debut in the 69th minute, becoming the first English player to play for Barca in a competitive game since Gary lineker in 1989.
The 27-year-old, currently on a season-long loan from Manchester United, featured as a centre-forward but failed to register a scoring opportunity.
Flick said: ‘It wasn’t a good part for Rashford, because there was no space. The players played at 50 percent. And Joan (Garcia) had a great game. He can continue like this.’
